Thousands expected to saunter, spend during Troy’s Victorian Stroll

TROY >> While the Victorian Stroll has always been known as an event which celebrates the Collar city’s rich history, its retailers are gearing up for what has historically been the most successful day of the year.

More than 20,000 people from the Capital District and beyond are expected the fill the streets of Troy on Sunday, which could mean big business for the city’s retail stores and restaurants.

“The stroll has two roles,” said Claudette Thornton, vice president of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event. “It honors the tradition the City of Troy was built on — the old Troy, the architecture and the Tiffany windows — and stores are open during the stroll and are running specials for the day.”

Thornton said the event not only does a great job of introducing people to the city, but also to the county as a whole, especially with Rensselaer County Tourism hosting a expo table to promote other activities and places to visit.

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Many of the stores, though, aren’t just offering goods for sale in their businesses as some host live musicians while others will hand out hot chocolate or cookies.

Since the traffic can be overwhelming, Troy Downtown Business Improvement District Executive Director Elizabeth Young encourages stores to not only stock up on what they usually sell, but get smaller items meant for the holidays as well.

“I would stack up on small items, make sure you’re properly staffed and create a warm and wonderful environment,” Young said.

Young said the event has a “loyal following” and that people plan trips from Vermont and New Hampshire to spend their money in the city. But it’s not just the shops that are the big draw.

“We’re getting them here because we’re offering them an extremely unique holiday experience,” Young said, adding people come for the architecture, the carolling at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and even people dressed in period costume. “No one has the history Troy has in such a walkable layout. That’s what I think makes it so successful.”

The event has also been an opportunity for non-profits located in the city, such as The Arts Center, the Rensselaer County Historical Society and various churches, to raise both awareness and money, according to Thornton.

Thornton also said the stroll has introduced people to the city, including developers who may look to open a business or build something in the city.

“Development in Troy is a group effort and various entities play a part in attracting people here,” Thornton said. “For us, it’s a great tipping point.”

The Victorian Stroll will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.